I’m With the Band

This week on I’m With The Band , I sit down with Christian Perez — the creator of Fall Fest , one of Tucson’s fastest-growing live music experiences. No blueprint. No guarantees. Just a vision… and the guts to chase it. Christian breaks down how Fall Fest went from an idea in his head to a full-scale event bringing together artists, fans, and the entire Tucson music community. We talk about: What...

In this week’s episode of I’m With the Band, we sit down with one of Tucson’s most soul-stirring voices—Annie Anna. With her signature blend of heartfelt lyrics, raw vulnerability, and indie-folk charm, Annie takes us behind the songs that have made her a staple in the local music scene. Annie’s musical journey began in Kansas, where she immersed herself in music from a young age, learning piano,...

This week on I’m With the Band, we sit down with Tucson’s own Fabian Danobeytia—a gifted rapper, relentless community advocate, and now, a bold candidate for city council. We talk about his journey as an independent artist, the meaning behind his most powerful tracks, and what inspired him to step into the political ring. Whether you’re a fan of local hip-hop, passionate about civic change, or jus...

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation with Tucson’s own Erin “Lizzie” Elizabeth Reaves (@lizziesmusics). Lizzie dives deep into her musical journey, sharing the stories behind her songs, the creative influences that shaped her soulful sound, and what keeps her inspired in Tucson’s vibrant music scene. From songwriting tips to reflections on live performances, this episode is packed with insight, la...

In this episode, we sit down with Drew Cooper (@drewcoopermusic)—a powerhouse in the Tucson music scene known for his soulful voice, raw songwriting, and electrifying performances. From playing at Country Thunder to making waves in the local scene, Drew shares his journey as an artist, the stories behind his music, and what it’s like to carve out a path in country music. We talk about his early in...

On this episode of I’m With the Band, we sit down with Tucson musician PJ Bidwell to talk about his journey in the local music scene, his inspirations, and what it takes to make it as an independent artist. From his songwriting process to the stories behind his favorite performances, PJ gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his passion for music. We also dive into the ups and downs of being a worki...

In this episode of I’m With the Band , we sit down with Tucson singer-songwriter Paul Opocensky , a true staple of the local music scene. From fronting bands to crafting solo acoustic magic, Paul shares his journey through the highs and lows of making music in the Old Pueblo. We dive into his songwriting process, his experiences playing live, and how Tucson has shaped his sound over the years. Plu...

In this episode of I'm With the Band , we sit down with Marie Montagnini , a Tucson-based singer-songwriter, rhythm guitarist, and the creative force behind Uncommon Crossroads . Raised in the heart of Appalachia, Marie’s music blends folk, outlaw country, and southern rock, weaving deeply personal storytelling with the raw energy of Americana. With a background that spans from the hills of Oh...